News

New Pedestrian law for New Jersey. Under a new law signed by outgoing Gov. Jon S. Corzine, drivers will risk $200 tickets, 15-day community-service sentences and four points if they fail to bring their vehicles to complete stops at crosswalks to allow pedestrians to pass in front of them. Currently, motorists must only yield. Since the "yield" signage must be replaced with the new stop versions, the launch of this tough standard won't come until April 1st, 2010. Three years in the making, the new standard requires drivers to wait until pedestrians reach opposite lanes before accelerating again. In addition, the law allows walkers to finish crossing even if a traffic light changes before they reach the curb. Motorists who are turning at a crosswalk also must stop and wait for pedestrians to cross.